company

be in good company

to have done or experienced something bad which someone who people admire has also done or experienced. Don't worry, Einstein did badly at school, so you're in good company.

See also: good

Misery loves company.

something that you say which means that people who are feeling sad usually want the people they are with to also feel sad. On a bad day, she isn't satisfied till the entire family is in tears. Misery loves company.

See also: love, misery

present company excepted (British, American & Australian, humorous, American, humorous)

something that you say which means that the criticism you have just made does not describe the people who are listening to you now. People just don't know how to dress in this country, present company excepted, of course.

See also: except, present

two's company (three's a crowd)

something that you say when you think two people would prefer to be alone together than be with a third person. They asked me to go to the cinema with them but two's company if you know what I mean.

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in good company

similar to someone who is better known than you are for their achievements or experience. Einstein didn't do so well in school, so you're in good company.

Usage notes: often refers to a negative situation or problem, as in the example

See also: good

keep someone company

to stay with someone so they are not alone. I kept him company while he was waiting for the bus.

See also: keep

keep company (with someone)

1. to be connected with someone. There are rumors that the singer keeps company with some very dangerous criminals.

2. to spend time together in a romantic relationship. They've been keeping company for a year and plan to marry in the spring.

Usage notes: often used in this sense for a humorous effect as an old-fashioned expression for beginning a relationship with the intention of marriage

See also: keep

part company (with someone)

1. to disagree. That is an issue on which many people part company with the president.

2. to end a relationship. Rick and I parted company a long time ago, and I'm seeing someone else now.

See also: part